Ouano: Pledges, donations a big help to flagship projects

CEBU, Philippines —  Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said that pledges and donations from the national government for his long-term projects would help maximize the city’s funds, allowing more resources to be used for social services.

The statement came after several national government officials, including senators and congressmen, pledged their support for the construction of a modern city hospital and a dedicated building for Mandaue City College.

Mayor Ouano shared that during his visit to Manila last week, Senator Raffy Tulfo committed a ?50 million donation for the city hospital.

He added that Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Mark Villar also expressed their support, though they did not disclose the specific amounts of their contributions.

Last month, the mayor also personally met with Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, and Lito Lapid to rally further backing for the city’s flagship projects.

Mayor Ouano also said he will seek assistance from party-list representatives to further support the city’s flagship projects.

The mayor said that any amount of assistance would be deeply appreciated by the City Government of Mandaue.

“Dako og tabang sa mga priority projects,” Mayor Ouano said.

The two priority projects have a combined estimated cost of ?1.5 billion. The ?1-billion Mandaue City Hospital will be constructed within the existing hospital compound, while the ?500-million Mandaue City College campus is set to rise at the Norkis Park in Barangay Looc.

Mayor Ouano stressed that assistance from the national government would significantly ease the city’s financial burden, especially as he plans to increase the cash assistance for senior citizens next year from ?10,000 to ?12,000.

“Any help from the national government we are very grateful for that kay di ma affected atong mga social services diri–atong pagpalit og mga tambal and sa uban para sa atong mga constituents,” he said.

He added the donations from national officials will be allocated either to the modern city hospital or to the new Mandaue City College campus.

“Ako man silang gipangutana, asa man mo mas ganahan ibutang ang inyong pledge. Ang uban eskwelahan, ang uban sa hospital,” Mayor Ouano said.

Additionally, Mayor Ouano’s sister, Mandaue Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, has pledged ?100 million for the modern city hospital and another ?130 million for the Mandaue City College.

Mayor Ouano said the congresswoman’s pledge is enough to jumpstart both projects, especially when combined with the additional funds pledged by senators.

He emphasized that with the national government’s support, the city can channel more of its own budget into social services.

“Dili na kaayo burden sa city, dili kaayo ma affected ang atong mga services,” the mayor said, noting that the assistance from national officials provides a big boost.

Mayor Ouano said that by the first quarter of 2026, it will be the target implementation of his priority projects.

“Hopefully mao gyud na ang atong target,” Mayor Ouano said. (CEBU NEWS)